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Published: December 28th 2005
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metro
yes, again As I stepped wearily off the 7009 Eurostar from London to Paris Gard du Nord, my eyebags looking and weighing like the luggage I struggled through the gates with, I had the distinct feeling that on this trip Paris would offer more than she ever had before.
I was greeted by a familiar smile and a warm hug, and happily handed over my luggage to Aleem before we sped through the streets and Metro lines of Paris (or rather, he sped and hazily I followed) until we arrived at the hotel : Pavilion de Paris - a contemporary place, with a feng shui feel, somewhat out of the ordinary amongst the classic French buildings that surrounded us. Anyhow, I was only too glad to rest and munch on the complimentary chocolate orange left on my pillow. It was only a few minutes before we were out again - tired as I was, I cannot recall where we went but remember winding up in a quaint cafe - warm in ambiance and colour, I was comforted by the oranges, reds and browns as well as the interesting artistic decor. Needless to say, a dessert was necessary - this time a passion
fruit sable with mint leaves. I chewed on the leaves and the philosophical talk Aleem and I often engage in. I have to say, it was great to have his company, and I can think of nothing better to have in a timeless cafe than a good friend and some great conversation. By the time evening arrived, I had more company: symptoms of a flu. Insisting that I was simply tired, Aleem went out again that evening whilst I enjoyed a steaming hot shower, a good book and dozed to the soothing sounds of the french language in the background.
I spent Wednesday soaking in the sights and sounds of Paris, without direction, purpose or intent. I stumbled upon various interesting buildings: The Champs-Elysée, l'Arc de Triomphe and the Assemblée Nationale... Though amongst all the famous landmarks that I saw, I found none as breathtaking as the beauty of Paris herself. As the evenings closed in, and the city began to light up, I realised that Paris really is as romantic as you allow it to be. Hrm, gotta admit, I failed to live the fantasy the entire time - particularly during memorable adventures such as having the ATM
machine swallow my bank card and then waiting patiently as the docile bank staff slowly retrieved my card. The pace at which they moved had me wonder how they even kept themselves awake during the day. Anyhow, rather than rant about the state of service, I should tell you about some of the other adventures that we seemed to find ourselves in: which ranged from security sneak-ins, acting as friend come interpreter, tasting cheeses and chocolates, oh, and bread. Lots and lots of bread. I recall our Wednesday night dinner plans being cancelled, being far to full to even contemplate more food. So full was my tummy that night, it prevented me from sleeping. Just as well too. I got up. Walked over to the balcony and stepped out, bare-foot onto the cold grey slate and into the crisp winter chill. Mm, yum. Time for my journal. As I grabbed my pen and hurriedly emptied the thoughts from my head onto the paper, sleep lured me back into the bedroom, and I rested til dawn when I recall a kiss on the forehead, a wave goodbye and some garbled talk about going in search of a head baker at the
Plaza Athenes. Whatever. I had about as much interest in that as I did in getting out of bed on three hours sleep. So, whilst I lazily got up and dressed, Aleem was out sneaking through security and arranging interviews with bakers (for which, unbeknownst to me, I was to translate)! I was only too glad to assist, and going underground of the Plaza Athenes was an experience in itself!
Visiting Paris with an insanely passionate baker is an experience to be remembered, as Anthony was soon to discover upon his arrival Thursday evening. For him, it was engaging to meet someone so passionate about his business and career in artisan baking. For me, it was an evening of Capricorn company and being sweetly teased over dinner. This included several futile attempts to shove fois gras down my throat.. (lovingly of course)! I chose instead to enjoy the delightful veggie options at Chez Andre, a wonderfully French brasserie on the Champs-Elysee. We had a delightful walk home along the small dimly-lit streets of Paris, and it did us no harm to walk off some of the calorie laden foods that the French enjoy.
Even as Aleem left us
on Friday morning, his baking banter remained with us, and alongside visiting Pierre Hermé (for the third time..whatttt?! I know good chocolatering when I see it)! Anthony and I managed the Sacre Coeur (beautifully candle-lit interior with Christmas carols), the famous French brasserie Lipp, and yet another bakery. Okay so it may not have been as worthwhile a visit as twinkling Mr.Desgranges, but it was a necessity for the book I am writing and I could clearly see why de Monges captured Aleem's heart. By the way, if you ever visit - the chocolate escargots are well worth any post indulgence guilty feelings!
So, as the doors closed behind me on the 1905 back to London Waterloo, out of breath and covered with chocolate, fat and flour, I smiled. Not because I had made the train just in time, but because this trip had fulfilled on every expectation and beyond. Si vous vous permettre a le voir, Paris est plein de l'amour, de vie et de magique.
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Zeldus
Great pictures !
Great pictures and an original style